CH Supports Democracy through Lifelong Learning

My name is Debra Kalish.  I am the Chair of the Colorado Humanities Board of Directors.  This past April, we learned that our Congressionally-approved funding was being withheld, resulting in a 75% decrease in our operating budget.  The bill currently being considered by Congress has no funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities or the state councils associated with it, like Colorado Humanities. This is truly an existential threat to Colorado Humanities specifically and the public humanities more generally.

When NEH was created by Congress in the 1960s, this nation’s leaders recognized that “[a]n advanced civilization must not limit its efforts to science and technology alone, but must give full value and support to the other great branches of scholarly and cultural activity in order to achieve a better understanding of the past, a better analysis of the present, and a better view of the future.  

“Democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens. It must therefore foster and support a form of education, and access to the arts and the humanities, designed to make people of all backgrounds and wherever located masters of their technology and not its unthinking servants.”

One reason I care so passionately about the continued existence of Colorado Humanities is its promotion of learning across all ages of life, from pre-schoolers to our oldest generations.  The more we learn about the past, about other cultures, and about our shared humanity, the better informed citizens we become and the better decisions we can make as we exercise our right to vote.   Here are some additional thoughts about the connection between lifelong learning and democracy:

Lifelong learning is vital for a healthy democracy.  It empowers citizens with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to participate actively and responsibly in their communities and government. 

Lifelong learning fosters informed decision-making, promotes civic engagement, and encourages social cohesion, thereby strengthening democratic institutions and processes.

Lifelong learning fosters critical thinking skills, enabling citizens to analyze information, evaluate different perspectives, and make informed decisions on political and social issues. 

Lifelong learning helps individuals develop the skills to discern credible information from misinformation, which is essential in today's information-saturated world.  

Lifelong learning equips individuals with the knowledge about government, politics, and the democratic process, including voting, political parties, and the role of citizens in policy-making. 

Llifelong learning promotes social cohesion and a sense of shared purpose, leading to greater involvement in democratic processes. 

Lifelong learning can foster understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives, which is crucial for a tolerant and inclusive society.  Further, by promoting shared values and encouraging dialogue, lifelong learning can strengthen social bonds and build a more cohesive society. 

Lifelong learning enables individuals to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, ensuring they remain relevant and engaged even as the world around them changes. It can foster creativity and innovation, which are vital for economic growth and social progress, both of which are important for a thriving democracy. By developing a mindset of continuous learning, individuals become more resilient and better equipped to navigate societal challenges.

Please join me in supporting Colorado Humanities by becoming a Knowledge Champion and donating today!